Govt. announces 3-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha

The government of Pakistan on Thursday has announced a three-day holiday for Eid-ul-Azha.

According to a notification issued by the interior ministry, July 31 (Friday) to August 2 (Sunday) will be public holidays.

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has urged the nation to celebrate Eidul Azha with simplicity, strictly observing standard operating procedures (SOPs) against coronavirus.

Read More : Pakistan to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha on August 1 as Zilhajj moon not sighted

Speaking to the journalists after the inaugurating of Isolation Hospital and Infectious Treatment Center in Islamabad, on June 10, PM Khan said, “If we are careless on Eidul Azha, Pakistan could see another spike in Covid-19 infections”. 

“This led to pressure on our hospitals, our frontline workers also faced immense pressure, we, unfortunately, lost lives and the virus peaked.

“Today, I want to make a special appeal to you all: if we are careless on Eid ul Azha, the virus could spread again and there could be a fresh spike in the number of infections. Hospitals will come under pressure again. So I’m appealing to you all to mark this Eid with simplicity”, PM Imran Khan urged.

The authorities have strictly instructed people to minimize travel during the Eid holidays

In this regard, the government has issued detailed guidelines for the reduction of person-to-person transmission of COVID-19 during the period of Eid-ul-Azha — a time when a surge of cases is expected if precautionary measures are not ensured.

“Social visits at Eid and general family get-togethers should be avoided. Eid shopping should only be restricted to minimal essentials and crowding in markets is not advisable. The tradition of Eid embracing is likely to increase transmission so it should be avoided this Eid,” read the official document.